Origin
Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin, commonly known as Busgen's uvaria, belongs to the family Annonaceae and is native to tropical Africa.
Common Names
Busgen's uvaria is known by several common names including African custard apple, Busgen's anona (in Portuguese), and Asikyire (in Akan).
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used in African communities for various medicinal purposes such as treating gastrointestinal problems, fever, and malaria. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used as an anaesthetic by some indigenous groups. The fruit of the plant is edible and is often consumed raw or used for making juice.
General Appearance
Busgen's uvaria is a small to medium-sized tree, growing up to 10 meters tall, with branches that spread widely. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and measure between 10-13 cm in length. The flowers are green-yellow in color and bloom in clusters. The fruit is oval-shaped, measuring up to 6 cm in length, and has a yellow-green skin that turns brown when ripe. The flesh of the fruit is creamy-white and has a sweet and tangy flavor.
Light Requirements
Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin prefers partially shady conditions, with filtered sunlight. Direct and intense sunlight can harm the plant's leaves and stunt its growth. It is best to place the plant in a location with indirect light or a few hours of morning sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives best in warm temperatures between 18°C (65°F) to 30°C (86°F). The minimum temperature required for the plant's growth is around 16°C (60°F). Make sure to avoid sudden temperature drops or drafts, which can be detrimental to this plant.
Soil Requirements
Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin requires well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be nutrient-rich and organic. The addition of perlite or coarse sand can help improve the soil's drainage. Avoid using heavy, compacted soils or soils that are too sandy.
Watering Requirements
The plant prefers even moisture and requires regular watering during its active growing season, which is spring through fall. Avoid overwatering, as this plant is prone to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.
Fertilizer Requirements
Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied every other month, or a liquid fertilizer can be applied every two to three weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plant's leaves to burn or turn yellow.
Humidity Requirements
The plant prefers a moderate level of humidity. If the air is too dry, misting the leaves or placing a tray of water near the plant can help provide some humidity.
Cultivation
Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin thrives well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It is mostly cultivated in pots indoors. When cultivating in pots, ensure that you use a pot with sufficient drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. Also, ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not too wet. The plant thrives well in warm temperatures with high humidity.
Watering Needs
The Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin requires regular watering. Ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not too wet. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely as this may lead to stunted growth and wilting. During summer, you may need to water the plant more frequently due to increased temperatures and evaporation.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin to thrive well. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal N-P-K ratios. Fertilize the plant once every two weeks during the growing season, from spring to fall. Avoid over-fertilization as this may lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
The Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin does not require frequent pruning. However, you may need to prune it to control its size or remove damaged and diseased parts. Pruning is best done in spring when the plant is actively growing. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Always prune just above a leaf node to encourage new growth in that area.
Propagation of Uvaria busgenii A. Unwin
Uvaria busgenii A. Unwin is a tropical plant that is native to Africa. It is a fairly easy plant to propagate, and there are several methods that can be used. Below are some of the most common propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to grow Uvaria busgenii A. Unwin is through seed propagation. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix, and kept moist until they germinate. Germination can take between 3-6 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are another effective way of propagating Uvaria busgenii A. Unwin. Take 15-20 cm long cuttings from stems that are semi-woody. The base of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder, and then planted into well-draining potting soil. Water the cutting regularly, and it should develop roots within 3-4 weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a technique that can be used to propagate Uvaria busgenii A. Unwin. This is done by making small cuts in the stem of the plant, and then pinning down the cut section to a moist soil mix. Over time, roots will form from the cut section, and a new plant can be removed and transplanted once these roots have developed.
Division Propagation
Division is another method of propagating Uvaria busgenii A. Unwin. This can be done by dividing the plant into several smaller sections, each with its own root system. Use a sharp and sterilized knife to cut through the root system, ensuring that each section has several leaves and a healthy set of roots. These sections can then be potted up in individual pots with well-draining soil mix and kept moist.
Disease and Pest Management for Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin
Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin, also known as the African cherry orange, is a tropical plant that is relatively disease and pest resistant. However, under certain conditions, it may be vulnerable to a few types of diseases and pests. Here is how to manage them.
Common diseases affecting Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin
1. Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause dark, sunken spots on the leaves and stems, and in severe cases, it may cause the leaves to fall off. To manage anthracnose, avoid overhead watering and remove disease-affected plant parts immediately.
2. Root Rot: This disease is caused by overly damp soil conditions and can be identified by yellowing leaves and a soft stem base. To manage root rot, water plants only when soil is dry to the touch and improve soil drainage by adding organic matter.
Common pests affecting Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin
1. Mealybugs: These pests appear as white, cottony spots and suck the sap from the leaves and stem. To manage mealybugs, wipe leaves with rubbing alcohol-soaked cotton allowing intermittent air flow for ventilation.
2. Scale insects: These pests appear as small, flat, oval scales on the leaves and stems. Like mealybugs, they also suck sap from the plant. To management scale insects, prune infected plant parts, and use soapy water or rubbing alcohol to wipe off visible bugs.
Overall, good plant care and maintenance are the best strategies for avoiding diseases and pests on Uvaria busgenii A.Unwin. Regular pruning, fertilization, and appropriate watering practices will maintain the plant's health and keep it disease and pest-free.
